Whale Shark – A Very Close, Very Sad Encounter

A few days a ago I was told three whale sharks had been spotted just off Koh Lanta – a mother with its baby close in tow and another one seenshortly after. Instantly I was jealous, as seeing the biggest – and one of the most beautiful – fish in the world is many people’s dream.

Today (March 1st 2011) I was very lucky to have an encounter with the gentle giant -but for the wrong reasons. One pf the whale sharks was found floating upside down around 4 miles off Koh Lanta. The marine park asked a local fisherman to bring the bloated whale shark back to Koh Lanta.

They brought it back slowly behind the boat and placed it near to the beach. After they also turned it over the correct way. This is where I had the best experience with a whale shark ever – and also the saddest close encounter ever.

It is said they brought the whale shark back to help it, but also do tests on it, as it’s the second one found in the area within a week. The other one was dead already. The doctors arrived from Phuket and have given this shark a 10% chance of living. Some of the marine park officials are slowly pushing it along letting the water filter through its gills.

If you look the photos and videos it is a shame but there are many cuts, bruises and lacerations all over the whale shark’s body. My only guess could it be a fishing boat trawling, but that is only a guess.

UPDATE: There were hopes the whale shark was going to make a recovery, but sadly it died during an attempt to return to the ocean. Follow the links to read more.

An Incredible Day Scuba Diving At Hin Daeng

I have just arrived back from scuba diving Hin Daeng. This is one of two dive sites visited south of Koh Lanta and it takes an impressive 3.5 hour boat ride to reach on Go Dives Boat.

Hin Daeng is also very close to Hin Muang. Although we were supposed to dive Hin Muang first the boat master simply rescheduled due to the currents, obviously these dive sites are not for the beginer and when we entered on the first dive you could see why.

I have dived here for 6 years and still it is a special place on the second dive we dropped down to a Lepoard Shark around 22 meters. Pretty cool watching it look at you and breath but was amazing to watch it swim away with its whooshing tail. Then we heard all the tank bangers going crazy! and shallowed up to where the canyon is a WOW! my incredible day was just about to get better as I was lucky enough to spend 40 minutes with A Manta Ray at only 11 meters.

There is something Amazing when you are next to a gracefull 4 meter wide giant being cleaned in front of you. I swam a little closer to the rocks for protection from the current and also to get a better view. Then the Manta just tips it wings and glides off. This time was great tho as he kept circling around and settling back in the same place. It is even more special when the Manta is next to you and you think it is looking at you form a small eye. Incredible Day

Thank you again to Didi for letting me use these great shots

If you really want to enjoy the majestic mantas another way is to do a Liveaboard trip where you get to stay and do three dives at these sites. You can either join the MV Flying Seahorse which departs Koh Lanta 2 day 1 night trips and for the real adventure stay on board for a 7 day trip which also takes int he Similan Islands. Or guests who would like a luxury Liveaboard which departs Phuket can choose the Mermaid.

Valentine Special at Serentiy Massage and Spa Saladan Koh lanta

Serenity massage and Spa would like to create something special for true romantics with two new Valentine packages called First Love and True Love designed for you to have an ultimate experince but also to try something new.

For one week only starting on the 10th of February till the 17th of February you and your partner can indulge by booking either of these two packages and you will be rewarded with a 10% discount which will help towards that romantic meal.

When two poeple book either of the Fisrt Love or True Love treatments Serentiy will present you with one FREE bottle of Coconut Massage Oil to take home where you can have some special romantic massage fun together.

To make your booking call Ning direct on 0815 699 852 or simply send your request on the AmazingLanta contact form.

Google Maps Better Information Now Made Simple

AmazingLanta’s google map which is up to date with loads of information about Koh Lanta resorts, villas, banks, pharmacies and places to eat has proven to be an exceptional tool when choosing your location on Koh Lanta.

Now we have added more Google maps, with direct information on each of the following pages making it simple for you to understand the location of all the 2 bedroom Koh Lanta Villa’s and also 3 bedroom Koh Lanta Villas.On the page of Koh Lanta Villas you can see all the Villls position and if you click on the icon it will give you a run down of amenities.

If your not sure which beach is for you we have added a map on to the Koh Lanta Beaches page which only shows you information and location of all the main beaches.

In an emergency we have created a map show casing the hospital, clinics, doctors, police and even a dentist which may be useful especially as it includes contact numbers and opening times.

Emergency Contact Information For Koh Lanta

After writing about driving your motorbike can be dangerous on Koh Lanta. I have now done a full page of useful emergency contact information about Police, Hospitals, Clinics and Dentists found on Koh Lanta in case you become sick or have an emergency. This also covers opening times, telephone numbers and also an interactive Google map so you can quickly locate the nearest facility to you.

Driving A Motor Bike Can Be Dangerous On Koh Lanta and also Thailand

You would never expect to have your holiday ruined in anyway but it happens many times every day. The fact is we all use one of the most dangerous things in Thailand and we put our lives at risk by simply hiring a MOTORBIKE!

I personally have many friends who have had an accident and also one which was fatal so I know it happens. Some people who come to Thailand have never ridden a motorbike before and straight away may find your self driving on the wrong side of the road for the first time as in Thailand they drive on the left. Add this confusion to bad constructed roads, sharp bends on mountainside, poorly lit roads in some rural areas and allot gravel on the road creating a super slippery surface.

Please be careful on your bike!

But hey its not just us, we have to be careful about all the Thai drivers also. Most don’t seem to acknowledge any road safety at all and they all seem to be formula 1 drivers. When they flash there light is not to let you pull out its a warning sign to say I am coming at 180 Kilometers an hour.

A few things to ask your self:
Would you a ride a bike at home with no crash helmet? and only wearing flip flops.

Would you ride a bike after a few beers then drive home.

Probably not but every one thinks they can do these things in Thailand. I know its a nice hot day and I don’t want to sound like your old worrying mum, but remember to stay covered up as much as possible which will save on cuts and grazes and also protect you form the suns rays.

Thank you to Chris from WaterWorks Productions for letting me use his great video. Luckily to say Andy the driver of the motorbike was a well trained stunt man! and he only hurt the car once and Chris never had to take the shot again.

WaterWorks Productions specialise in corporate promotional media, post production VFX, 3D motion graphics, aerial video and photos, Underwater camera team, Apple Mac consulting, TV and Film production support.

Please Don’t try to leave your legacy behind with a white chalk mark on the road outlining where you fell. But if you do have an accident a few numbers you may like to keep:

So who you Gonna call? Ghost Busters! we hope not!

Koh Lanta Police: 24 hour 075 668 192
Koh Lanta Hospital: 075 697 017

Hot Weather Brings Out The Love

I have to say that November and the start of December have been pretty miserable in Koh Lanta quite alot of rain and hardly any sun. On the first beautiful day I was full of energy and power again and feeling good and it seems I was not the only one. Its quite interesting if you keep your eyes open just what goes on around you.

The first picture below I thought unusual until I got close and I understood that the insect ( I am not sure what it is ) had it’s prey juts sitting nicely underneath maybe even chomping away. The poor insect below was a wasp ( maybe a bee I am not sure also )

As I started taking photos I suddenly noticed another insect the same hovering around and also settling on to the rope. I thought maybe it also would like some food but in the nice weather I think it had other things in mind.

The insect turned around and connected its self together then I imagine had the time of its life, how ever looking at its gloomy smile it did not look like it was having fun. Its pretty amazing really watching nature re produce. I would like to know did the insect give the bee to the lady like on a date or is it just a ploy to keep the lady there?

Looking at the video maybe I have got it all wrong it really looks like they are shaking hands and saying hello! Although if they are mating I have blacked them out to protect there privacy.

Everyones Favourite Thai Curry Which You Need To Try!

When you arrive in Thailand and also Koh Lanta you will be amazed at all the delicious food on offer. The colours smells and taste make for some mouth watering experiences. Food from North of Thailand to the South is also flavoured a little different, so all though you may order the same dish do not be surprised if it does not taste the same.

Some curry’s are obviously a little to spicy for foreigners to handle but two I have chosen below are a must to try when your here which are very mild and creamy to taste.

Massaman Gai ( chicken in Thia is “Kai” ). This dish is packed with chicken, potatoes, onions and a few nuts. Its cooked in a coconut milk giving it a nice thick creamy taste.

Massaman Kai

The other curry to try is the Green Curry with chicken- Gaeng Kaew Wan Kai
Which is made with Green Curry paste. coconut milk and packed with vegetables and chicken. This curry is a blend of Indian and Thai and is thought to originate when Hindu and Buddhist religions spread in to Thailand.

Green Curry with chicken- Gaeng Kaew Wan Kai

Star Restaurant located in Koh Lanta in Saldan centre cooks these two dishes amazingly. When I want to eat Massaman and Green Curry it’s the only place I go. The portions are plenty and also the chicken comes in large chunks. Wow Im am feeling hungry all ready – maybe its time to visit the Star again.

Have a Thai Massage In Thailand

When you are in Thailand one of the things you think about is having a Thai Massage and why not you are in Thailand after all.

The Thai Massage was developed more than 2,500 year ago and it is more energizing and rigorous than normal massages. Some people call it Thai yoga massage, because the therapist uses his their body to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches which will definitely test your flexibility.

The Thai massage has many benefits like reducing stress, improving circulation, increases energy, increases flexibility, centers the mind and body and relaxes you.

How ever is it really the right massage for you? and how do you know?

If you visit Koh Lanta why not pop in to Serenity massage and Spa which is based in Saladan the main center where the piers are. Serenity’s fully trained and experienced staff will advise you which massage will best suit you and your body.

After chatting to the staff about which massage you will be asked to take a shower and given towels and fresh clothes to wear in the shop. Your valuables can be stored in lockable lockers and then you will be escorted to your bed.

I prefer the Asian Blend Massage which is a combination of a Traditional Thai massage combined with the use of an aromatic oil of your choice. Its not as demanding as a Thai massage and creates physical and emotional benefits.

In the low season between May and October nearly all of the beach massage shops are closed. How ever Serenity Massage and Spa is open all year round from 10am till 10pm.

If your body really wants some special luxury and rejuvenating time then why not stay at on of the more luxurious resorts with there own Spa’s


Klong Dao Beach: Crown Lanta		Kantiang Bay: Pimalai Resort		Long Beach: Layana

Saladan Village, Koh Lanta: A New Tourist Destination

Saladan Village on Koh Lanta is situated in the Nortern tip of the Island. This is where all the ferries arrive form surrounding Islands, the car ferry arrives here and also the express transfer service – how ever you arrive on the Island you are met by a stunning scenic village built along the waters edge on stilts above the sea.

Saladan Village the view from the ferry

Saladan is a very small metropolis of shops, banks, dive operators, tour and travel agencies, pharmacies, Massage and Spa, tailors and surprisingly a lot of optician shops. There is also an interesting night market for paintings, clothes and handicrafts.

One of the biggest attraction in Saldan is its choice of restaurants especially as some are built on stilts over the sea and offer breath taking views of Koh Lanta Noi. For an in depth insight in to Saladans restaurants please enjoy our page on Best Restaurants and Cafes In Saladan.

Saldan Village main shopping area with a view of the sea in the background

With only one road in to town its easy to navigate. When you see the road end turn left or right and that will be all the shops and restuarnats which are built over the sea on stilts. This is a fantastic place to watch the sun and moon rise over the mountains. Saladan really comes alive at night and in the high season the police stop all cars entering town for safety. When you want to go home you walk out of town and all the Tuk Tuk drivers will be queing up waiting for you.

Start of Saladan with homes and shops built above the sea

Saladan Village is becoming more popular with tourists wanting to stay closer to town with all the amenities close by. Saladan offers some very nice guest houses and resorts which reflect the nature of the Island. They are situated just outside the main streets in quieter areas which really make for an affordable retreat for every ones budget. The Lanta Pura Resort and also the Lanta All Seasons Resort offers beachfront resorts, although the beach is not one of Koh Lantas main beaches it is a very nice place to stay with incredible views and is very quiet area.

Enjoy relaxing on Saldan Beach picture taken near Lanta All Seasons Resort

Below are useful links to guest houses, hotels and resorts in and around Saladan Village which we recommend. Click on any link to view more photos, read guest reviews and book online:

Hotels In Saladan Village, Koh Lanta
Aloha Lanta Nice Budget book now	The Heart Inn Friendly Budget book now	Lanta Pura Resort Feel book now	Lanta All Seasons Town Resort By The Sea book now